About

Known credits:
16
Birthday:
1950-03-25
Place of birth:
New York, New York, USA
Website:
N/A

Robert O'Reilly

Overview

Robert O'Reilly (born March 25, 1950, in New York City) is an American film, stage, and television actor and director. He is best known for his role as Chancellor Gowron, the leader of the Klingon Empire, in the Star Trek franchise—particularly on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

O'Reilly’s career spans over 100 films and TV episodes, often portraying antagonistic or villainous characters. He appeared in series like Cheers, Knight Rider, MacGyver, NYPD Blue, and films such as The Mask. He has also performed on Broadway and at Carnegie Hall. Notably, he received a Drama-Logue Award in 1981 for directing the play Getting Out.

His first Star Trek appearance was in The Next Generation episode "Manhunt," but he is most recognized for playing Gowron from the episode "Reunion" onward, across several Next Generation and Deep Space Nine episodes, and related media including video games. O'Reilly drew inspiration for Gowron from Shakespearean characters, notably Edmund from King Lear. He has reprised Gowron in various Star Trek-related events and conventions.

In theater, he has appeared in Broadway and off-Broadway productions, including The Tavern, The Promise, and played roles like Edmund in King Lear. He has been active with the Colony Theatre Company in Burbank, California, both as an actor and director.

He is married to Judy O'Reilly, with whom he has triplet sons. His hobbies include golf and baseball.

Robert O'Reilly retired from acting but remains involved in the Star Trek community through conventions and voice roles

Known for

Acting

2019 The Circuit Actor N/A
N/A
2004 Star Trek's Favorite Moments Actor Himself N/A
N/A
2003 Roddenberry on Patrol Actor Officer #2 N/A
N/A
1999 The Omega Code Actor Technician 57
Average
1999 Candyman: Day of the Dead Actor L.V. Sacco 54
Average
1997 Moonbase Actor Karl Stark 58
Average
1995 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Way of the Warrior Actor Gowron 58
Average
1995 Steel Frontier Actor Evermore 58
Average
1994 The Mask Actor The Figure 69
Fair
1992 Desert Kickboxer Actor Paul 58
Average
1991 Whore Actor Younger Man in Car 57
Average
1991 Party Plane Actor Air Traffic Controller 59
Average
1991 Under Surveillance Actor Whitey N/A
N/A
1990 By Dawn's Early Light Actor FEMA Radioman 59
Average
1985 The Steel Collar Man Actor Johnny N/A
N/A

Camera

2024 Full Court Press Camera Camera Operator N/A
N/A